Synthetic Drug Hallucinogens

Chemical tests of substances sold one of the drugs above, especially Ecstasy, have shown that they are frequently adulterated with other substances. Here is some brief information on these other substances and their dangers.

Piperazines like BZP (1-benzylpiperazine) and TFMPP (1-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)piperazine) among others: These drugs are often sold in blister packs or may appear in pills sold under a different name. Users experience increased heart rate and blood pressure. Pupils dilate. They go hot and cold, have stomach pains and nausea, headaches and tremors. Some people experience severe seizures and others have panic attacks.

PMA/PMMA

(mostly found in the UK)

Chemical names:

Para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA)
Para-methoxymethamphetamine (PMMA)

Chemically, these drugs are similar to Ecstasy or methamphetamine.

These are strong stimulants that cause increases in energy, body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate. Can cause hallucinations, convulsions and respiratory distress. Some people have received PMA or PMMA when they thought they were getting Ecstasy and later died. Dozens of deaths have been associated with these two drugs.

Mephedrone

(mostly outside the US)

This drug is in a class called cathinones. It is chemically similar to amphetamine and produces a similar experience to amphetamine, methamphetamine, Ecstasy or cocaine. Users report euphoria and a sense of wellbeing, alertness and confidence. Adverse effects include racing heart, blurred vision, tension in face and jaw, blue fingers and other extremities, nausea, vomiting and a compulsion to continue to use it despite harm. Some people suffer hallucinations and insomnia. Use of mephedrone has been associated with a number of deaths, but the role of this drug in causing those deaths is uncertain.

MDPV, known chemically as 3,4 methylenedioxypyrovalerone: This is also a cathinone and has similar effects as mephedrone but it is much more potent than other drugs in this class.

bk-MDMA (methylone)

This is one of the chemicals that may be used in “bath salts” or that may be found in a pill sold as Ecstasy. Use has been associated with the sudden death of otherwise healthy individuals. Users tend to overheat, have blurred vision and lose their ability to perceive time accurately. They may grind their teeth, be dizzy and confused and suffer hallucinations. Users sometimes report a feeling of empathy, similar to that of Ecstasy.